Comparison of immune derangements in patients with different malignancies

Immune function was evaluated in 109 patients with carcinoma of the breast, bladder, head and neck, and lung. Patients with head and neck cancer showed the most profound derangements of immune function; patients with lung cancer showed no detectable abnormalities. Non-irradiated patients with disseminated head and neck cancer had significantly depressed lymphocyte counts (mean 1357/mm3, P less than .05), E-rosette forming cells (mean 770/mm3, P less than .05), and response to phytohemagglutinin (P less than .05) as compared to controls. This immunodeficiency was detected in patients with localized as well as advanced disease. Although significant differences were noted between patients with head and neck cancer and the other tumors, these differences were minimized by radiation therapy. All irradiated patients showed comparable degrees of immune dysfunction. Absolute Fc-receptor cells were depressed in all irradiated patients and in non-irradiated patients with disseminated breast cancer.